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Photo: Will Steacy

Photo: Will Steacy

Photo: Will Steacy

Cosmic Comics

10 E 23rd St, 2nd fl,

Manhattan, NY 10010

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Gaining entry to this second-level shop requires ringing a vaguely marked buzzer and ascending a dark stairwell, lending a quirky air of secrecy (à la the Bat Cave or Fortress of Solitude) to Cosmic Comics. But the secret is out on this 16-year-old Flatiron District staple, which caters to hard-core comic aficionados with a substantial selection of classic back issues, trade paperbacks (including both mainstream and a fair share of indies), graphic novels, manga and collectible action figures. Wednesdays are a good day to browse, as new editions go on sale weekly at 10am, but the wall of windows overlooking Madison Square Park creates a scenic space for perusing any day of the week. And don't fret if you find yourself running up a hefty tab; for every $100 you spend, Cosmic gives you back $20 in store credit.